Did you know: The Dodgers lost two of three to the Pirates at Dodger Stadium in May but have dominated them this century, going 72-33 against the Pirates since the start of the 2000 season.

Pirates report: The Pirates are coming off a three-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies that keeps them in the thick of the NL Central race. Four teams (the Cardinals, Brewers, Reds and Pirates) are all within three games. The Pirates were at .500 in late June but have won 13 of their past 20 games. Last year’s NL MVP, Andrew McCutchen, is having another great year – a .320 average, 17 home runs and 62 RBI.

THE PITCHERS

LHP HYUN-JIN RYU (10-5, 3.44 ERA)

The Dodgers lost three of Ryu’s last four starts before the All-Star break. The left-hander had a 4.84 ERA during that stretch and opposing batters hit .301 against him, despite six shutout innings against the San Diego Padres in his final start before the break. Ryu will be pitching on a full week’s rest. During his two seasons with the Dodgers, he has pitched better when given extra rest – 15-5 with a 2.64 ERA compared to 9-8 with a 3.68 ERA on four days’ rest.

Vs. Pirates: 2-0, 2.92 ERA

At PNC Park: Has never pitched there before.

Loves to face: Gaby Sanchez, 0 for 5, 2 strikeouts

Hates to face: Josh Harrison, 2 for 4 (.500), 1 double

RHP EDINSON VOLQUEZ (8-6, 3.65)

Released by the San Diego Padres in mid-season last year and not re-signed by the Dodgers after the season, Volquez, 31, has resuscitated his career with the Pirates this year. He is 5-1 with a 2.52 ERA in his past six starts and has allowed just three earned runs in his past 30 innings. Volquez threw a complete game to beat the Cardinals in his last start before the All-Star break. That gave him a four-start winning streak for the first time in his career.

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